THUNDER BAY – A celebration of pride is more than just recognizing differences.
More importantly, it’s about acceptance and making everybody feel like they have a place in the community.
Danielle Korhonen said that’s what is so special about Thunder Pride, which is being celebrated in Thunder Bay for the fifth year.
“It means everything. This is our family and our life. To be able to be celebrated for who we are is pretty awesome,” she said.
“(It’s important) for them to see this is normal and our family is a normal family and there are tons of other families like us.”
Hundreds of people participated in the city’s third annual pride parade, which began in Waverley Park and proceeded to Prince Arthur’s Landing with the Pride in the Park festival.
Participants were adorned in all colours of the rainbow and with many different costumes to celebrate individuality.
Donna Nagy, co-chair of Thunder Pride, said the parade is particularly powerful because it shows people they are not alone.
“It takes away all the fear of just being who you are,” Nagy said.
“Having these people supporting us and being here with flags and colours we know we’re OK here. It’s an accepting community and Thunder Bay is allowing us to be that way.”
Jessica Ross, another co-chair of Thunder Pride, said Thunder Bay has made strides towards becoming a more open and accepting community.
Prominent groups including local elementary school teachers, members of the city’s legal community and representatives from the Ontario Nurses’ Association as well as other unions participated in the festivities.
“It’s promoting our diversity and inclusivity, acceptance, the opening of minds and the opening of arms to all different types of people,” Ross said.
“We’re gaining traction. More people are aware of us, more people are excited to come out with us either as allies or supporters. It’s just getting the whole community involved.”
Korhonen said members of the community have never made her feel ostracized for being in a same-sex relationship.
“In the past three years it’s been really awesome. We’ve always had a lot of support. I’ve never really felt any negative connotation,” Korhonen said.
